When To Start Seeds Indoors (Simple Guide For Beginners)

Got my planting under way for the upcoming season!

There is a few things I start inside pretty early to ensure they are a strong plant before I set them to their own devices out doors

There are also some things that I started indoors previous years that I wouldn't do again

Let me share what my experiences have been in hopes to aid in your gardening success!!

One of my most favorite things in my garden (aside from everything) is my flowers

I have built up my perrenial beds, and adorn them with lots of different annuals each season

I planted Zinnias, Chamomile, Tickseed, Lilys, Marigolds and Sunflowers last year

And this year I am adding MORE Zinnias, Cosmos, Lavatera, Hollyhocks, Brown Eyed Susan's, Morning Glory, Asters, Purple Cone Flower and Calendula

I cannot wait to delight in the blooming beauty

The most economical way to fill your garden is to start your own plants from seeds, vs buying plants from a greenhouse

A package of seeds ranges from $2-$5 dollars in which you get usually around 75-100+ seeds

Before you get started, you will need to acquire the basics for starting seeds inside

I searched a long time for the best trays to start my seeds in, I ended up investing in a few sets of these trays with controllable humidity domes

https://amzn.to/4ivFGT7

They are excellent! They are sturdy and will last many seasons for sure.

I also like that the tray inserts are clear so you can see the root system of the seedling.

I use an Organic Potting Mix to fill my seed trays

One of the MOST valuable tool in my seed starting arsenal is my seedling watering can

It has an extended spout and the head with small holes gently showers the water out

https://amzn.to/4iP6E8j

My first year I attempted to slowly water using my conventional watering can which ended up flooding the majority of my seeds (moves them in the soil, buried them deep, too deep to germinate) and I would estimate almost 50% of my seeds didn't germinate

Depending on your home and what you have for windows and warmth you may need to invest in a warming mat for under your seed trays, this will help them get the warmth they seed to germinate successfully.

https://amzn.to/3XTJbdQ

I have this mat, they are 10" x 20.75" and comes in a 2 Pack, 4 Pack, or 6 Pack depending on how many seeds you're starting!

The last thing you may need to invest in is a grow light to ensure the seedlings have sufficient lighting to grow.

This one comes on a clip base to be able to easily attach it where you need it and the lights are on adjustable arms to position where optimal!

https://amzn.to/4kVLuqA

Its worth noting that I am in Manitoba and our last frost date is projected between May 21st - May 31st.

I generally do the majority of my planting first week of June just to be safe, so the plants sewn indoors will date back 2-8 weeks from June 1st

Here is a link where you can identify the date of last frost for your zone: 2025 Frost Dates: First and Last Frost Dates by ZIP Code | The Old Farmer's Almanac | Almanac.com

Following the guidelines below, I will be starting many of my seeds in the next few weeks

When to start seeds indoors

Asparagus -- 10-12 weeks before date of last frost

** It is important to note that you cannot harvest from your asparagus patch until the 3rd year after planting

Beans -- Best sewn directly after the date of last frost has passed

Beets -- 5-6 weeks before date of last frost

** You can sew beets directly, however when sewn indoors you give them a early start on the growing season and can potentially harvest earlier. You can monitor and ensure germination, as they are protected from the cold

Broccoli -- 4-6 weeks before date of last frost

Brussel Sprouts -- 6-8 weeks before date of last frost

Cabbage -- 6-8 weeks before date of last frost

Carrots -- 2-3 weeks before last frost date for summer harvest

** Direct sew carrots outside early summer for fall harvest

Cauliflower -- 4-6 weeks before date of last frost

Corn -- 3-4 weeks before date of last frost

** You can sew corn directly, however when sewn indoors you are better able to monitor and control germination

Cucumber -- 4-6 weeks before date of last frost

Flowers -- 8-10 weeks before date of last frost

Lettuce -- 3-4 weeks before date of last frost

Peas -- 3-4 weeks before date of last frost

**You can sew peas directly, however when sewn indoors you are better able to monitor and control germination. It also gives the plants a head start and therefor they will produce earlier

Peppers -- 6-8 weeks before date of last frost

Pumpkins -- 2-4 weeks before date of last frost

Spinach -- 6 weeks before date of last frost

Squash -- 3-4 weeks before date of last frost

Sunflowers -- 4-6 weeks before date of last frost

Sweet Potato's -- 6-8 weeks for mature slips. Sweet Potato's are started from slips, not from seed potato (like regular potatoes). There are a few ways to start sweet potato slips -- Check out this article for the low down!

Tomatoes -- 6-8 weeks before date of last frost

Turnips -- 5-6 weeks before date of last frost

** You can sew turnips directly, however when sewn indoors you give them a early start on the growing season and can potentially harvest earlier. You can monitor and ensure germination, as they are protected from the cold

Zucchini -- 3-4 weeks before date of last frost

This is a general guide line for starting your garden season inside

I have found over the years, depending on the time and space I have I start different things at different times

Last year I started my squash, zucchini, corn, and pumpkins inside.

For a comparison I sewed some directly alongside the started plants

This year I am going to sew them all directly and see what happens

I was better able to monitor and control germination when starting them inside

However, when compared with seeds I sewed directly, the seeds direct sewn grew faster and stronger than the seeds I had started indoors

Last year I direct sewed my beets, turnips and peas

Turnips did fantastic, beets not so much and peas produced but late in the season so this year I am going to start the peas and beets inside

Harvest Season has to be one of the most Gratifying

Gardening is a fun ever evolving experiment to find out what works in your zone, and how to best manage your time and harvests

I would start small, and build over the years as you learn what works and how things grow for you

Once the pests show up, and myriad of other obstacles that come with gardening it can become overwhelming and unmanageable

The goal is to come out of harvest season with something to show for ALL your efforts

The bounty will surely increase over the years

I hope this guide aids in your gardening success!

With Love,

Katie

P.S - Coming out with a Companion Planting Guide in the coming weeks, be sure to check back so you can surround your little seedlings with friends, not foes and maximize your garden bounty

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